9.9 KiB
Peers Advisory Group Module
A structured advisory consultation module for the BMAD-METHOD framework that helps users deeply analyze complex decision-making problems through multi-round questioning and feedback from top business leaders.
Overview
The Peers Advisory Group module provides a rigorous 8-step consultation process, channeling wisdom from four legendary business leaders (Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Steve Jobs) to help users:
- Uncover root causes hidden beneath surface symptoms
- Challenge limiting assumptions and beliefs
- Explore blind spots through diverse perspectives
- Generate actionable solutions grounded in proven experience
Features
- ✅ 8-Step Structured Process: From problem confirmation to action commitments
- ✅ 4 Legendary Advisors: Default panel of Buffett, Gates, Musk, Jobs (customizable)
- ✅ Progressive Questioning: Three rounds that gradually deepen inquiry
- ✅ Actionable Recommendations: Specific, executable advice from each advisor
- ✅ Beautiful Reports: Optional magazine-style HTML summary
Use Cases
- 🎯 Career Decisions: Job changes, career pivots, entrepreneurship
- 🎯 Business Strategy: Market entry, product direction, fundraising
- 🎯 Complex Relationships: Team conflicts, partnership issues
- 🎯 Personal Growth: Skill gaps, mindset challenges, life transitions
Quick Start
1. Install Module
npx bmad-method install
# Select "Peers Advisory Group" from the module list
2. Start Advisory Session
In your IDE, invoke the Advisory Facilitator agent:
/facilitator SA
Or use fuzzy matching:
/facilitator start advisory
3. Complete the Process
Follow the 8-step process:
- Confirm Issue - Clarify your problem and expected outcomes
- Round 1 Questions - 8 foundational questions (2 per advisor)
- Round 2 Questions - Challenging black hat questions
- Round 3 Questions - Divergent exploration questions
- Your Questions - Ask advisors for clarification
- Advisor Feedback - Receive complete recommendations
- Your Summary - Commit to specific actions with deadlines
- Advisor Reflections - Deep insights on growth direction
Module Structure
peers-advisory/
├── module.yaml # Module configuration
├── agents/
│ └── facilitator.agent.yaml # Advisory Facilitator agent
├── workflows/
│ └── advisory-session/
│ ├── workflow.md # Main workflow definition
│ ├── session-record.template.md # Session record template
│ ├── steps/ # 8 step files
│ │ ├── step-01-confirm-issue.md
│ │ ├── step-02-round-1.md
│ │ ├── step-03-round-2.md
│ │ ├── step-04-round-3.md
│ │ ├── step-05-client-questions.md
│ │ ├── step-06-advisor-feedback.md
│ │ ├── step-07-client-summary.md
│ │ └── step-08-advisor-reflect.md
│ └── templates/
│ ├── feedback-format.md
│ ├── reflection-format.md
│ └── magazine-report-guide.md
├── data/
│ └── advisors/
│ └── default-advisors.md # Default advisor profiles
└── README.md # This file
Configuration Options
Module Configuration
Edit {project-root}/_bmad/pag/config.yaml to customize:
| Option | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
default_advisors |
Use default panel or custom | yes |
session_output_folder |
Where session records are saved | {output_folder}/advisory-sessions |
communication_language |
Session language | en-US |
generate_magazine_report |
Auto-generate HTML report | ask |
Custom Advisors
To use custom advisors:
- In Step 01, choose "Custom Panel"
- Specify 1-4 notable figures
- System generates advisor profiles automatically
- Confirm profiles before continuing
Example custom advisors:
- Oprah Winfrey, Jeff Bezos, Angela Merkel, Richard Branson
- Ray Dalio, Satya Nadella, Mary Barra, Jensen Huang
Output Files
Session Record
- Location:
{session_output_folder}/session-YYYY-MM-DD.md - Format: Markdown with YAML frontmatter
- Content: Complete dialogue transcript, all Q&A, recommendations, commitments
Magazine Report (Optional)
- Location:
{session_output_folder}/report-YYYY-MM-DD.html - Format: Printable HTML
- Content: Formatted summary with visual design, advisor-specific color coding
Workflow Philosophy
Core Principles
- Empathy First: Accept that the client's feelings are their reality
- Rigorous Process: Strictly follow the 8-step sequence
- One Question at a Time: Wait for responses before continuing
- Actionable Advice: All suggestions must be specific and executable
- Character Consistency: Maintain each advisor's unique voice
Question Progression
Round 1 (Foundational): Understand the basics
- What are the facts and context?
- Who's involved and affected?
- What are the constraints?
Round 2 (Black Hat): Challenge assumptions
- What are you not seeing?
- Could YOU be the problem?
- What are you avoiding?
Round 3 (Divergent): Explore unexpected angles
- Break mental patterns
- Reveal unconscious beliefs
- Find hidden connections
Integration with BMAD
Standalone Operation
The Peers Advisory Group module operates independently:
- ✅ No dependencies on other BMAD modules
- ✅ Can be used for any advisory consultation
- ✅ Works with all BMAD-supported IDEs
Complementary Use Cases
Pairs well with:
- BMM (BMad Method): Use advisory session before planning epics
- Creative Suite: Combine with brainstorming for ideation + validation
- Core Workflows: Run advisory on complex project decisions
Best Practices
Before the Session
- Prepare Your Issue: Write a brief summary beforehand
- Gather Context: Collect relevant data, timelines, stakeholder info
- Block Time: Reserve 60-90 uninterrupted minutes
- Set Intention: Be open to uncomfortable truths
During the Session
- Answer Honestly: Quality advice requires accurate information
- Don't Rush: Take time with challenging questions
- Stay Present: Resist the urge to defend or justify
- Take Notes: Beyond the transcript, capture your reactions
After the Session
- Act Within 48 Hours: Start your first commitment immediately
- Share Commitments: Tell someone who will hold you accountable
- Set Reminders: Calendar your deadline dates
- Revisit in 30 Days: Review the session record and assess progress
Advanced Features
Resume Interrupted Sessions
If a session is interrupted:
/facilitator RS
The facilitator will:
- Load your most recent session file
- Check the
currentStepfrom frontmatter - Resume from that exact step
Review Advisor Profiles
To review default advisor profiles:
/facilitator LA
Multiple Sessions
You can run multiple advisory sessions:
- Each creates a new dated session file
- Previous sessions remain available for reference
- Compare insights across different problems
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Problem: Advisor responses feel generic
- Solution: Provide more context in your answers
- Solution: Review
data/advisors/default-advisors.mdfor character traits
Problem: Questions don't relate to my situation
- Solution: Use custom advisors more relevant to your domain
- Solution: Provide clearer problem context in Step 01
Problem: Can't resume session
- Solution: Check that session file exists in
session_output_folder - Solution: Verify YAML frontmatter shows
currentStepvalue
Getting Help
- Issues: BMAD-METHOD GitHub Issues
- Discussions: BMAD-METHOD Discussions
- Documentation:
/docs/in BMAD-METHOD repository
Contributing
Contributions are welcome! Areas where you can help:
- Additional advisor profiles (historical figures, industry leaders)
- Translations to other languages
- Enhanced magazine report templates
- Improved questioning strategies
- Integration examples
See CONTRIBUTING.md for guidelines.
Credits
Inspiration
This module adapts the "Peers Advisory Group" (私董会) methodology, a structured consultation format used in executive coaching and leadership development.
BMAD Framework
Built for the BMAD-METHOD framework, an open-source AI-driven agile development system.
License
MIT License - Same as BMAD-METHOD
Example Session Flow
You: /facilitator SA
Facilitator: Hello, I'm your Peers Advisory Group facilitator...
[Asks about your problem]
You: I'm considering leaving my current company to start my own business,
but I'm not sure if it's the right time...
Facilitator: [Confirms understanding, asks clarifying questions]
Facilitator: Now we need to configure your advisor panel...
You: Let's use the default panel.
Facilitator: Excellent. Round 1 begins...
Warren Buffett asks: "Let's start with the basics - if you had to explain
this problem to your grandmother, how would you describe what's really at
stake here?"
You: [Answers...]
[Session continues through all 8 steps]
Facilitator: ✅ Advisory Session Complete
Your commitments:
1. Calculate 6-month runway by Friday
2. Interview 3 potential co-founders by end of month
3. Make go/no-go decision by March 15
Would you like me to generate a magazine-style report?
You: Yes
Facilitator: Report generated at:
/advisory-sessions/report-2025-01-23.html
Ready to get started?
/facilitator SA
Let's solve your most pressing challenge.